Boeing has issued a recommendation for airlines to conduct inspections on its 737 Max airplanes due to a potential loose bolt in the rudder control systems. This call for inspections comes after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The rudder of an airplane plays a crucial role in controlling the aircraft during flight. Boeing has assured that the specific issue identified on the affected airplane has been addressed. However, as a precautionary measure, the company is advising operators to conduct inspections on their 737 Max airplanes and report any findings. Boeing has notified the FAA and its customers about the recommended inspections and will keep them informed of the progress.

The FAA has stated that it is closely monitoring the targeted inspections of Boeing 737 Max airplanes to identify any potential loose bolts in the rudder control system. Boeing has suggested that these inspections, which can be completed within approximately two hours, should take place within the next two weeks. The company emphasized that any problems related to a faulty rudder would likely be detected during pre-flight checks, as flight crews routinely examine the rudder system before takeoff.

Anthony Brickhouse, an air safety expert at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, emphasized the importance of airlines taking the issue seriously. However, he also mentioned that from the perspective of a member of the flying public, this issue may not be a cause for significant concern.

Following the news of the recommended inspections, Boeing’s shares experienced a 1% decline in midday trade. This development comes after the 737 Max was cleared to resume passenger flights by US regulators in 2020, following a 20-month global grounding resulting from two fatal accidents in Ethiopia and Indonesia that claimed the lives of 346 individuals.

The recent recommendation for inspections adds to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max series. Notably, it follows an incident where part of the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 detached, leading to an emergency landing. The FAA has grounded 171 Boeing planes after a mid-air blowout, further highlighting the attention on aviation safety.